10 ways to be a majestic Technical Interviewer

1. Make it comfortable 🍻

If the candidate feels comfortable and confident talking to you after the first few minutes of the interview, chances are she/he will perform better.

Start with simpler questions. For example, you can ask them about their current project
Ask short and easy questions in the beginning. This helps the candidate feel confident.

2. Prepare yourself 📋

Preparation is a must, whether you are giving an interview or taking one. The interview can go much better when you -

Have list of questions relevant to the position
Go through the candidate's resume at least a few minutes before the interview
Time the questions according to the planned duration of the interview

3. Ask only what is required of the candidate at that stage of the interview

You are taking one of the many rounds the candidate is going to appear for, with your organization.

Asking questions that could only come into the picture if the candidate is hired, will be a waste of time at this stage.

You might also end up giving a wrong impression to the candidate. Especially, avoid personal questions in technical rounds.

4. It's an interview, not a competition. Do not try to win! 🤝

It is important to keep the focus on the candidate during the interview. The goal is to figure out if the interviewee is a good fit for the opportunity.

If the interviewee is able to answer all the questions you had in your bucket, it is not required to take the interview to a level where he/she is not able to answer at least one of the questions.

5. Bring them back on track ➡️

If you notice that the candidate is moving in a wrong direction while answering one of the questions, drop a hint that can help them come back on track.

You can do so by asking questions that include a hint.

6. Ask relevant questions

If the job is about installing a seat, do not ask about how the engine is built.

It is important that the questions are of the same technical level and difficulty as will be the actual job the candidate is being considered for.

Asking questions that are too difficult gives a wrong impression regarding the job requirement to the candidate.

7. Be supportive

No matter how well or poorly the interviewee is performing, it is important that your attitude is supportive.

This person is going to remember you and this experience. Nobody forgets their interviews.

Make it worthwhile for them!

8. Praise if you are impressed. 👏

Very often interviewers only acknowledge an answer if it is correct.

If you are really impressed with the solution the candidate came up with, let them know. It will boost their morale and might even improve their performance for the rest of the interview

9. Do not teach, do not flaunt.

It is a good practice to ask the interviewee if they are comfortable with the topic you are going to ask questions about.

The interview is a test, not a class. If you notice that the interviewee is weak on a particular topic, do not continue in that direction. It shows that you respect their time, and your intention is only to assess them for the position.

10. Let them know what's ahead

If you think the candidate wasn't able to do well on the subjects that were required for the position they applied, let them know at the end what they could do about it.

Recommend a book, a blog or a course that you know can help.